What is the difference between hypoallergenic and nickel free?

Hypoallergenic literally means "less likely to cause an allergy." Nickel free on the other hand, means that the alloy that the earrings are made with does not contain nickel.

Is nickel free the same as hypoallergenic?

Nickel-Free and Hypoallergenic Are Not the Same

It doesn't necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or free from nickel. For example, some surgical-grade stainless steel does contain small amounts of nickel, but it's low enough to be called hypoallergenic for most people.

Are nickel free earrings better?

Hypoallergenic earrings such as stainless steel may still contain trace amounts of nickel, enough to cause a problem in some people. To be sure, the safest jewelry to wear is nickel-free.

Does hypoallergenic mean nickel free earrings?

Jewelry that is nickel-free is considered hypoallergenic, and safe for people with sensitive skin to wear. If you know that you have a sensitivity to metals and have had difficulty wearing earrings in the past that are not hypoallergenic or precious metal, make sure that you wear safe metals.

What does nickel free mean?

What exactly does that mean? Unfortunately, in the United States this term means almost nothing. You can legally attach the terms nickel free jewelry and hypoallergenic earrings to earrings made of any metal, regardless of nickel content.

What Is NICKEL Free Jewelry? | Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Is nickel safe same as nickel free?

The Certified Nickel Free and Certified Nickel Safe emblems are your guarantee that those items will never test positive for nickel! For your existing jewelry, test it regularly, even the "safe" and "good" jewelry, to ensure no nickel is present.

What does hypoallergenic jewelry mean?

Hypoallergenic jewelry means that there is minimal risk of causing an allergic reaction. Most hypoallergic jewelry contains pure metals such as platinum, gold, titanium, copper, and stainless steel, fine silver, and sterling silver.

Will hypoallergenic earrings turn green?

The copper in the brass can turn your skin green, but that isn't harmful and doesn't mean you're having a reaction to the metal. It's just the copper chelates interacting with the sweat on your skin.

Is nickel free the same as sterling silver?

The nickel free metals are: STERLING SILVER (925) is an alloy that does not contain any nickel, so is wearable by virtually everyone. Sterling silver is made of at least 92.5% pure silver, thus the term "925 Sterling Silver" or ".

Is sterling silver the same as hypoallergenic?

Genuine sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper, and possibly other metals like zinc or nickel. Nickel-free sterling silver jewelry is a good hypoallergenic option.

Why do people want nickel free jewelry?

They want to save money. Jewelry manufacturers use cheap metal alloys like nickel to save some money. That's why nickel free jewelry is usually more expensive than jewelry containing nickel. But it's totally worth it, so don't go cheap on your health.

Are hypoallergenic earrings safe?

Don't just assume that earrings marked hypoallergenic will work. Although this means they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, there is unfortunately no standard in the jewelry industry when it comes to what hypoallergenic means. To be safe, the best earrings for sensitive ears are ones marked nickel-free.

Does nickel free turn green?

Jewelry Can Flare Skin Allergies

As previously mentioned, nickel is one of the most common metal allergies. If you have a nickel allergy, nickel can not only turn your skin green but make it inflamed. If you are experiencing redness, rashing, or itchiness, it's best to avoid that jewelry from now on.

Does hypoallergenic mean?

Hypoallergenic is commonly used to mean “void of allergens”, however the prefix “hypo” means under, beneath, or less than normal. Hypoallergenic implies a less likely allergic reaction, but it should not be taken to mean “void of any allergic reactions”.

Can you shower with nickel free jewelry?

TL;DR, Can nickel-free jewelry get wet? Pure gold, platinum, and niobium are hypoallergenic and generally safe in the shower. The same rules apply to these metals in regards to chlorine and saltwater: exercise caution as these can be corrosive to jewelry.

What metal is good for sensitive ears?

Platinum and stainless steel tend to be less reactive, making them the best metals for hypoallergenic jewelry, says Marchbein. “These are also good options, along with plastic, for initial ear piercings, which can decrease the risk of developing ACD later on,” she explains.

How can you tell if jewelry is hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic jewelry is specifically made for those who experience allergic reactions to certain types of metals. Most people who have an allergic reaction are reacting to nickel. Always check labels to see if the piece of jewelry you are interested in is nickel-free.

What is nickel free jewelry made of?

Other nickel-free metals include pure sterling silver, copper, platinum, and titanium. Polycarbonate plastic is okay. If you must wear earrings that have nickel, add plastic covers made for earring studs.

How do you know if something is hypoallergenic?

Double-check the label

If you or your child suffers from any type of allergy or contact dermatitis, it's especially important to read ingredient labels to be sure that there's nothing in the product that could trigger an allergic reaction or rash. The word “hypoallergenic” on a label doesn't necessarily protect you.

How do you clean hypoallergenic jewelry?

To keep your hypoallergenic earrings looking and feeling pristine, be gentle in how you wash them. Using a sea salt and water solution or a mild soap with a q-tip will help keep your ears happy!

What is the safest jewelry metal?

Why do my earrings turn black in my ear?

The reason for the blackish discoloration and smell on your earrings is oxidation or tarnishing. This happens when your earring is exposed to air, moisture, and other elements that cause a chemical reaction with the metal. Over time, this build-up of tarnish will darken or discolor the surface of your earrings.

Does hypoallergenic jewelry rust?

Simply put, hypoallergenic is a term for jewelry that is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It contains little to no potentially irritating alloys, and will never corrode, tarnish, or rust over time. Although everyone has different metal sensitivities, Nickel is the common culprit for most metal allergies.

What is the best metal for sensitive skins?

What type of material is hypoallergenic?

Organic cotton, wool, and microfiber are all materials that make a good hypoallergenic sheet for fighting against a dust mite allergy.